Russia’s premier arms manufacturer JSC “Concern” Kalashnikov has completed the serial production of AK-15 and AK-19 assault rifles for various customers.
Based on the 5.45mm AK-12 assault rifle, the AK-15 and AK-19 are chambered for 7.62×39 and 5.56×45, respectively.
According to Kalashnikov in a recent Press Release, “both models are the pinnacle of the development of the AK system and differ from previous generations in well-thought-out ergonomics, adaptation to all-day use and increased accuracy and accuracy of fire.”
The 5.56 mm AK-19 Kalashnikov assault rifle is the latest export model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, designed for the 5.56×45 mm cartridge (adopted by NATO countries and widely used in the world).
The AK-19 was first unveiled internationally at the largest Middle Eastern arms exhibition IDEX-2021, held in Abu-Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, from February 21 to February 25.
However, the AK-19 was first displayed at the the ARMY 2020 expo which took place in Moscow.
The AK-19 assault rifle is based on the proven AK-12 assault rifle, which was accepted into service by the Russian Armed Forces in 2018. It features a Picatinny rail, a new collapsible folding stock, improved aperture sight, and a quick-detachable suppressor, lightweight telescopic buttstock with improved ergonomics, a new rear sight and a slotted flash suppressor with the ability to quickly mount a silencer. Barrel length AK-19 – 415 mm, weight – 3.3 kg.
On the other hand, the heavier 7.62 mm chambered AK-15 Kalashnikov assault rifle is a unique firearm designed for of special forces units of the Armed Forces and other federal executive bodies.
The AK-15 assault rifle is part of the Russia’s Ratnik serviceman’s equipment, and was first publicly revealed in 2016.
The assault rifle is essentially a version of the AK-12, chambered for a 7.62×39 mm ammunition. This ammunition has superior penetration and stopping power when comparwd with the Soviet 5.45×39 mm ammunition, or standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition.
AK-15 assault rifle features a Picatinny rails, a folding buttstock, quick detach muzzle brake and other muzzle devices.